ICBA Congratulates Community Banker of the Year

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 30, 2007)—The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) congratulates William S. Stuard, president and CEO of F&M Bank, Clarksville, Tenn., an ICBA member bank, for being honored by the American Banker newspaper as a 2007 Community Banker of the Year.

"ICBA congratulates Mr. Stuard and F&M Bank for this success," said James P. Ghiglieri, Jr. ICBA chairman and president of Alpha Financial Group, Inc., Toluca, Ill. "Community banking and ICBA are fortunate to have a community bank member recognized in this way."

American Banker recognized F&M Bank for its retail success and for using "offbeat but powerful marketing strategies" to promote growth. The strategies include attracting high net worth women as customers, a reward program that allows customers to earn points for the business they conduct with the bank, and strategies to keep high-balance customers.

Stuard is among six bank industry executives honored as part of American Banker's 2007 Banker of the Year Awards who will be recognized at a gala in New York City on Nov. 29.